Seminars I&II

SecurityStarting a Security Program at Church - Raoul L. Williams

Starting a church security program can be a very daunting task.  This session will focus on providing the attendees with tools to reduce the anxiety associated with forming a security team. Topics to be covered include: establishing the need for a church security program, the identification and solicitation of key personnel, development of security team mindset, and training.  The necessity of networking within the church, the church community and the public safety community will also be explored.

Background Checks - Clark Wright

Should churches conduct background investigations on pastoral staff? Pre-School, children and youth teachers? Childcare volunteers? Van or bus drivers? The answer is a resounding …YES! Our discussion will focus of the importance of implementing background investigations as part of your church’s comprehensive risk management plan for the safety and protection of your ministerial staff, church members, and guests.

Target Hardening: Physical Security for Churches - William S. Carcara and Michael Simpson
“Target Hardening” refers to the strengthening of the security of an individual premise with the goal of reducing or minimizing potential criminal attack, risks, or vulnerabilities.  The concept of target hardening does not necessarily imply a fortress or bunker mentality.  Simply put, the idea of target hardening is that a strong, visible defense will deter or delay a criminal attack.
Target hardening is a means to reduce the opportunity of criminal attack by increasing the effort that a criminal must exert to accomplish his or her goal.  The more effort that is expended, the greater the risk and the greater the chance that the criminal will be apprehended   Criminals seek easy targets which minimizes the likelihood of being detected or caught. The more difficult the target, the more likely a potential burglar or thief will pick another property to attack.

Investigations and the Importance of Documentation - Bob Perkins

It doesn’t matter what the size of our church or faith based school, all incidents, crimes or threats must be investigated and properly documented.  This training will show how proper investigations and documentation can help prevent or prosecute those wanting to harm those seeking God in their lives.

Video surveillance:The Devil’s in the Details - Chuck Chadwick

Video surveillance is the hottest thing in church security market today. From Childcare areas to the Main auditorium churches are jumping on board to take advantage of this great technology. Building “Master Control Rooms” and real -time monitoring of multi-campus sites are among the more sophisticated endeavors. Chuck Chadwick will explain the details that can make you video surveillance system a boon or bust. Lens selection, compression methods, image resolution and frame rates are all explained to give you the extra intel you need when selecting and designing these system.

Lightning Strikes Twice (The Story of the Gunman/Hostage Incident at Focus on the Family, May 1996) - Carl Chinn

This session will be a summary overview of the planning actions prior to, and response actions during two significant attacks on ministries in Colorado Springs. The first occurred on May 2nd, 1996 when a gunman entered Focus on the Family, threatening to blow up the facility and taking hostages. 11 years later, and just 3 ½ miles north another gunman entered New Life Church killing two people in the parking lot before being stopped by effective security efforts in the building. Chinn played a key role in the pre-incident emergency planning at both ministries and was an initial responder in both incidents. Chinn presents on plan development and shares first-hand recounts of those criminal attacks.

The Incident at Wedgewood Baptist Church September 1999 - Jeff Laster

On September 15, 1999, a gunman entered Wedgwood Baptist Church and opened fire with a 9mm, killing seven and wounding seven others.  It was a Wednesday Evening and the church was hosting a “Saw You at the Pole Rally”.  A worship service for the youth of the area to celebrate what God had done through their “See You at the Pole” events held at their school flag poles that morning.  I was the first one shot by the gunman as I greeted him at the door.  I will be sharing how this affected Wedgwood and our community, how it has changed us, and how it has given Wedgwood an opportunity to reach out to those affected by similar tragedies.

Children & Youth

Children & Youth Worker Training - David O. Middlebrook

The issue of protecting minors while in the care of the church has become an explosive legal issue nationwide over the past few years.  A recent study shows abuse allegations to be one of the most common reasons a church gets sued.  Common sense leads to the conclusion that large, fast growing churches with many new faces and many young faces have tremendous exposure unless action is taken to avoid or greatly reduce the risk of an incident of child abuse and particularly, child sexual abuse. During this session David Middlebrook will discuss how you can protect the children and youth in your church.

Emotional/Child Abuse - Heath Lambert

Nothing can wreak havoc in a local body of believers like the experience of child abuse.  When it occurs, this problem has a unique ability to do significant harm to individuals as well as the larger congregation.  This seminar will examine how church leaders can be vigilant to protect children and families from abuse.  It will also examine how to respond when abuse does occur and how to use biblical and civil authorities to deal with the problem.

Emergency Response

Medical/Response Equipment - Scott La Rue

In this seminar we will discuss the must-have medical plan for your campus, church or facility no matter how large or small an area you protect. Including; building a medical response plan, methodology and implementation, and necessary resources for application.

Public Safety Relations - Ron Aguiar

This seminar will discuss ways to connect with and maintain good relationships with your Fire and Police Departments, as well as other public agencies that impact your ministry.  It will also give real life examples of good and bad situations.

Terrorism - Jeffrey A. Hawkins

Several years ago, in an Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) briefing meeting at the U.S. State Department, then Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stated “Faith Based Organizations are now one of the top five ‘at risk’ sectors in the world”. Christian organizations are facing growing threats from both foreign and domestic groups. This session will review these growing threats and examine why the Christian community as a whole needs to step up efforts to prepare for terrorism in the U.S. and abroad.

Fire Suppression/ Evacuation - Brian Gallagher

It’s important to remember that a fire may be your biggest threat. According to the NFPA an average of 1,300 church fires are reported each year causing $38 million in property loss. Do you know how your congregation will react to a fire alarm in the middle of a Sunday service? When and how should the fire alarm and suppression systems be checked in your facility? There is much more to consider than the basic stop, drop, and roll that we all learned as kids. Knowing proper techniques could help save lives.

Mass Casuality Incidents - Roger Mason

Mass casualty incidents can quickly overwhelm most churches. These types of critical incidents can result from human action, accidents, or natural disaster disasters. The key to preparing your church is developing a plan that will protect your members and integrate your response with your local emergency management resources.

Active Shooter Protocols - Ted Matthews

Unfortunately, violence against churches, particularly shootings at churches is on the rise.  This seminar will discuss active shooters and immediate responses by church members and security.  The 5 phases of an active shooter will be discussed, along with ways to prevent violence in the church, the biblical perspective of why we defend the church and the flock and the need of striking a balance of a loving church and protection of the church.

Risk Management

Risk Management - Ronald “Buzz” Horch

“Risk Management Fundamentals” will cover the framework and fundamentals of effective security risk management. Topics will include: Preparedness Basics, Roles of Subject Matter Experts and Decision Makers, 5 Strategies to Manage Risk, Smart Hiring, Workplace Violence and Keys to Training.

Seminars III&IV:

Security

Pastoral/Executive Protection - Brian Gallagher

A pastor or religious leader is tasked from the Lord to guide his flock. Without his leadership and direction, the flock can quickly drift away in the wind. Taking special consideration for the safety and security of any church leadership is essential to the continuation of the church’s mission. Pastors and speakers draw special attention that others in the congregation don’t. Multiple church shootings have been directed at the person standing on the stage. Some were specific to that person while the others were crimes of proximity. In the event of an emergency, one must know if they should provide shelter in place, move to a hold-room, or evacuate from the premises. These scenarios need to be thought out in advance and training must be provided so the response is immediate and reactionary avoiding confusion and delay. Churches need to evaluate who should receive additional protection and what plans need to be put in place regarding the protection of their families.

Ushers/Greeters/Traffic - Bob Perkins

Often ushers and greeters are the first to greet many to our churches and faith based schools.  They are in a position to see activity in and around our buildings, hallways and parking lots.  We hope that we can train these men and women to observe actions of others that may be wanting to do harm.  This in addition to welcoming persons with open arms, hearts and displaying the Love of Jesus.

Information Technology Security & Pornography - Trevor Wallis

This seminar will present practical techniques useful for any ministry organization to protect its data, websites, technology resources, and staff from various technical security threats including hackers, data thieves, technology equipment thieves, malicious insiders, and pornography.  Topics include technology threat analysis for your organization, common hacker techniques, practical solutions for data protection and encryption, strong password utilization, and equipment protection.  The seminar will also provide an opportunity to present your technology security questions.

Weapons/Use of Force - Jeffrey A. Hawkins

In 2009 there were 12 homicides and 38 other violent incidents in Christian churches in the United States. Incidents of rapidly escalating violent confrontations, or “active shooters”, have occurred on a regular basis in Christian churches and ministries. This session will review the dynamics of these situations and the implications of weapons and deadly and non-lethal use-of-force in a Christian organization.

A World on Drugs: The Past, Present, and Future of Mind-Altering Substances - David Roward

David Roward will provide a historical, comprehensive, practical and biblical view of mind-altering drug use that will surprise and inform the hearer about the darkness and damage of these substances.

Foreign Travel/Mission Trips - Robert Klamser

Short-term mission trips can be tremendous ministry experiences for both the participants and recipients/hosts.  Although there are risks and hazards associated with all missions trips, these risks and hazards can be substantially mitigated with proper planning and preparation.  This seminar will cover key risk mitigation actions in these major areas: risk assessment, legal precautions, and contingency/action plans.

Maryville Church Shooting Case Study - Tommy L. Ishmael

This presentation will cover the events of March 8, 2009 at First Baptist Church of Maryville Il and the murder of Senior Pastor Fred Winters.  It begins with a routine early morning Southern Baptist church service and other activities in progress,  works through the actual shooting itself (will not disclose issues still in criminal litigation) and concludes with the incident resolution, lessons learned and church recovery from this hostile act.

Ministry Violence Research - Carl Chinn

Carl Chinn began researching for his book regarding concepts for security at faith-based organizations (A Strong Tower) in 1999. Much of that research has been developing an understanding of common ministry incidents, and considering details of those occurrences in ways that security teams can learn from. As a result his website has been credited by many as being the most comprehensive study of “Deadly Force Incidents at Faith-Based Organizations” available. This presentation is an overview of the findings of that data.

Emergency Response

Crisis Management Team - Ron Aguiar

Where to start in building a team, who should be members, and what will their responsibilities be before, during and after a crisis.  Discussion will include media incidents that will help in shaping your team and its response.

Effective communications for your church or school - Bob Heaton

What happens when you have a medical emergency at your facility? What if there is a security threat at your school or church. How to coordinate the correct response, both internal and from the appropriate Fire, Law Enforcement, or EMS agency? We will explore what is needed to create and maintain your own dispatch center, whether it is a dedicated staff 24/7 or just a designated person to call 911. Know the information that the 911 dispatchers will be asking for. Listen to real 911 calls. Implement current public safety dispatch and Incident Command concepts into your current operation.

Incident Management - Scott La Rue

Introduction to Incident Management introduces the Incident Command System (ICS) and provides the foundation for higher level ICS training. This seminar will cover the history, features and principles, and organizational structure of the Incident Command System for emergency and preplanned events. We will make the impossible, possible!

Keeping It Legal - Adam Houghton

This class is intended to help the student become aware of legal and technical issues surrounding the complex decision to protect their facility from a dynamic, violent and life threatening incident.  We will be discussing criminal liability as well as some considerations that must be understood before undertaking higher levels of security.  This class will help the student understand why it is increasingly important to consider  your church’s vulnerability and how to better provide a safe place for people to worship.

Natural Disasters - Roger Mason

Natural disasters can strike at any time. Are you ready to protect and organize your members before, during, and after a natural disaster? By developing a plan that identifies your strengths and needs you can improve your ability to care for your members, prepares you to assist in your community, and shortens the cycle for recovery.

Risk Management

Legal/Liability Issues - David O. Middlebrook

Many churches are conflicted about how to handle potential areas of liability. While your church’s primary goal is the spiritual development of its congregants, such a goal cannot be reached to the exclusion of any focus on risk management.  Come listen to David Middlebrook discuss the seven key legal elements upon which your church should be built and why you should implement and follow them.

Policies & Procedures - Raoul L. Williams

The “team” is in place, all the radios are on the same channel, and the cameras are focused. Now what?  How do we accomplish our mission? This pragmatic session will focus the development of policy and procedure. Topics covered include: chain of command, intelligence, deployment, developing and maintaining relationships with other ministries within the church.

Crime Prevention: Protecting the Church’s Assets - William S. Carcara

The financial assets of a church transcend the actual monetary value of those assets.  Offerings by church members represent a tangible trust between the congregation and the church.  When those funds are misused, stolen, misappropriated or not utilized for the intended purpose, emotional repercussions frequently occur.  This can cause the member’s departure from the church body, ministers and staff being investigated, negative publicity for the church and ultimately a damaged reputation.
Cash management begins with the collection of donations from the congregation and concludes with the funds being used for their intended purpose. The first step in developing a financial security policy is to identify how money should be collected, counted, deposited, reported, and audited.  Each phase of this process is equally important since each represents an opportunity for theft or misappropriation.